More than 800,000 travelers from 179 countries voted in European Best Destinations’ ranking of 20 Christmas markets. Craiova, Romania, took first place, ahead of markets in destinations including Zurich, Switzerland, and Riga, Latvia.
The ranking puts a spotlight on a city that may be less familiar to American travelers. Craiova is in southwestern Romania, and its 2026 market will use “The Nutcracker” as its theme.
Organizers plan giant ornaments, oversized sweets, toy sculptures and millions of lights across a display covering more than 280,000 square meters.
The market is one of more than 1,500 Christmas markets held across Europe, according to Euronews. Craiova has placed near the top in previous years, but this year’s traveler vote moved it into first place.
The full European Best Destinations ranking includes 20 markets for travelers planning a holiday trip.
